Clay Moyle’s Passion for Boxing Literature
Clay Moyle, a dedicated resident of the Seattle area, once aspired to own a biography of every heavyweight champion from the Queensberry (gloved) era. Over time, this ambition transformed into a goal of collecting every boxing book in English, a passion that he describes as a fire that spiraled out of control. His collection now exceeds 4,500 titles, not counting duplicates.
The Impact of the Internet on Book Collecting
TSS editor-in-chief Arne K. Lang recently interviewed Clay Moyle about his long-standing hobby that has consumed nearly four decades of his free time. Clay shared how the internet revolutionized the hunting ground for collectors like him. He noted, “The internet made it significantly easier for people like me to locate desired books. Previously, it required searching through used bookstores or reaching out to sellers directly.”
The Effect on Book Prices
When asked if the internet had affected prices for sellers, Moyle explained, “In some instances, prices have decreased, especially for less rare titles. However, valuable and rare titles tend to retain their worth.”
Value of Rare Titles
Moyle also remarked on which of his books would likely fetch the highest price at auction, mentioning historic titles such as “A Few Words in Defence of the Ring” (1843) and “Key to Newbold’s Representation of the Contest Between Heenan and Sayers” (1850). Notably, he treasures an oversized 1910 softcover by James J. Jeffries, which is inscribed to famous sportswriter Bob Edgren.
A Collector’s Journey
Reflecting on his collecting journey, Moyle stated that he often acquired duplicates, “I would find books I already owned but in better condition or with dust jackets, so I’d upgrade my collection and sell the less valuable duplicates.” He mentioned an ongoing desire to find titles from as early as the 1700s, citing specific examples of rare books he has yet to encounter.
Acquisition of Nat Fleischer’s Collection
Moyle also explained how he obtained a wealth of material once stored in Nat Fleischer’s safe. Fleischer, co-founder of The Ring magazine, had a rich history of publishing boxing literature. Moyle began purchasing Fleischer’s works from a bookstore, eventually acquiring a treasure trove of books and manuscripts that he later sold to the Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame.
Future Plans for His Collection
Regarding his collection’s future, Moyle has prepared a detailed inventory to share with his family and intends to gradually sell some books. “I’ve considered consignment options to create more space in my home,” he mentioned. As he reflects on his collecting experience, he expresses a desire to focus more narrowly on a specific era moving forward.
